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Queensland Roar is in for an interesting season in 2009/10, and I’m not talking about on the pitch. From being the sole representative of the Sunshine State, the Roar must now face competition from two upstart franchises on their doorstep and face an identity crisis.
Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC will be watching closely.
Queensland Roar, although based in Brisbane, has enjoyed support from all over Queensland until the North Queensland Fury and Gold Coast United robs them of supporters, potential sponsors and personnel from two crucial geographical and economic sectors of the state.
With that division in loyalties, does that mean the Queensland expansion will force a change of identity for the Roar?
Surely it must result in a name change to Brisbane, after all the Roar will no longer represent the whole of the state as its current name suggests.
There are signs the Roar is preparing for this with the split from its parent club Queensland Lions.
Also a possible move of home stadium to Ballymore from Suncorp Stadium – the team’s administrative and training facilities will also be based at Ballymore – could see the Roar play in the 25,000 capacity of Ballymore as opposed to the 52,000 of Suncorp, which will ease the pressure of attempting to fill out its home games.
But people will still need to turn up and inconsistent home crowds over their short history must have Roar officials concerned given the reduction in market size.
Moving away from the Lions, the Roar could also reinvent its image, possibly moving away from the orange of the Lions to a maroon or even the yellow or blue of the old Brisbane Strikers.
It must recreate its identity in Brisbane’s local communities if it is to negate the loss of support from up north and down south on the Gold Coast.
Gold Coast United is already one of the most cashed up A–League franchises in one of Australia’s fastest growing markets.
The FFA will be relieved it beat the AFL into the Gold Coast.
North Queensland has the advantage of geographical isolation from its two rivals, but geography is also its hindrance in reaching centres around its base in Townsville.
It’s interesting to note that North Queensland is asking fans in a poll on its website where fans will travel from to watch the Fury – Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, or other – polling how far the fan base will spread.
Given that Cairns is a four hour plus drive from Townsville, it will be a tall ask for fans.
Like Central Coast has done in Gosford and surrounding areas, Gold Coast and North Queensland must immerse themselves in the local community. And perhaps it is what the Roar should do, consolidating its fan base in Brisbane.
The impact the expansion has on the Roar next season, the success of the two new franchises off the pitch and Queensland’s ability to sustain three clubs will tell us a lot about how future A-League expansion in Victoria and New South Wales will effect the established teams there.
If the Roar does change its name to Brisbane, then at least the three Queensland franchises will have three distinctive geographical bases in its most populous areas.
This must be a lesson for the prospective second entries of other states.
There is enough of a fan base for the three Queensland clubs, but the Roar are in for a challenging period and may need to be the first Australian based A-League team to reinvent themselves and their image.